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Murder accused Graeme Burton is being housed in a secure unit at Upper Hutt's Rimutaka Prison, guarded by specially trained staff.
The Corrections Department is reluctant to give details about the enhanced measures it is taking to guard the convicted murderer and prison escaper, citing security concerns - that extend to not confirming which jail Burton is in, a precaution the Herald understands is due to fears attempts could be made to reach him from the outside.
At least two attempts were made to breach a security cordon around Wellington Hospital when Burton was there being treated for a gunshot wound and the subsequent amputation of his right leg. Police are still trying to find the people involved.
While not confirming which jail Burton was in, Corrections assistant general manager of corporate development Susan Provan yesterday said Burton was in a specialist unit.
"Staff [there] have volunteered to work with more challenging prisoners and they have been provided with specialist training to do so," Ms Provan said.
Corrections are taking special care in handling Burton, who has already backed up his reputation for volatility with action. Despite still recovering from his amputation, Burton assaulted a prison guard on Tuesday after having threatened to kill him.
Today Corrections meet the prison officer's union to discuss future care arrangements for Burton.
How to transport him in future would also be on the agenda for a meeting between the Corrections Association and Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor.
Corrections Association president Beven Hanlon said officers wanted reassurance that every care would be taken when Burton was moved from prison, or if he was off-site for specialist medical treatment.
- NZPA
